tangled pages

22 March 2011

a beret for baby...

...computer problems continue on this end, but I will not let that stop me from offering the promised pattern for a baby beret!

this beret is simple, simple, simple...as easy as a cap and ever so jaunty and fun...it is also very stretchy, and will fit baby for quite a while...

these little pink hats were made with rowan pure wool 4-ply, (bought locally at mendocino yarn shop), a super wash wool that is lovely to work with and which just happens to be the perfect yarn...in my opinion...to use for knitted baby gifts that you just know are going to end up in the washer...

make 1: Insert the tip of the right hand needle into the strand (between the stitch just knit and the first stitch on the left needles) from front to back. Transfer this strand to the left hand needle. Knit into the back of this strand on the left needle and remove as usualdirections:

directions are for infant (0-3mo) and baby (3-12mo)...the bands measure about 10" and 12", unstretched, but they stretch quite a bit!

Cast on 88 (96) stitches and join in the round (careful--don't twist your work!) Work in 2x2 rib (knit 2, purl 2) for about 1.5 inches (or more, if you like--twice that, if you wish to be able to turn it up).

When you are finished with your ribbing, increase your stitches by another 50%, thus:Knit 2, make 1 (see above) all the way around. You should now have 132 (144) stitches. Knit around and around on these stitches until your work measures about 3.5 (4.25) inches. Now begin to shape the hat by decreasing 6 stitches, evenly, every other row:

Continue decreasing, in this way, until 72 stitches remain, change to dpn's if using the circular, then decrease six stitches EVERY row until three stitches remain (decreasing this quickly creates the flat top). Knit these three stitches as i-cord for a few rounds (more if you wish to knot it). Break yarn, pull through the stitches and through the cord to the inside of the hat. Weave in ends and wet block, shaping the beret flat, as shown below (block on a smooth porcelain plate if you have one the right size--this creates a really nice, smooth beret). Add flowers at the brim, if desired...

et voilà!

if you use this pattern, please consider making a contribution to save the children or any japanese earthquake relief organization of your choice...

happy knitting!

questions? i am glad to help...and please let me know if you find an error!

Hi Pamela, I was wondering it your make1 is the same as knit in the front and back of a stitch? I am getting ready to male this beautiful had for my grand daughter, and don't quite understand, thank you Debbie

thank you so much! I understand now, Also when you wet block it are you putting it on the plate or is the plate inside?? In the Picture I don't see the plate. By the way I made mine and it is just the cutest thing ever. Thank you so much. Debbie

Hi Jennifer...You are decreasing 6 stitches, evenly spaced, as you have been doing all along, but you will do it EVERY row. So, at this point you have 72 stitches on your needles. You knit 10, K2tog, repeat to end of round--66 stitches remain. Next round you knit 9, K2tog, repeat to end--60 stitches remain. Continue this way until just three stitches remain.Hope that helps!Pamela

Hi Michaela! Soak the beret in tepid water and wool wash. Roll in a towel to remove excess moisture, then shape it flat on another towel, with the ribbing facing up. It helps to insert a smooth porcelain plate that is the correct size, and sometimes I will use a bowl to for the ribbing. For more info, see this post: http://pwaknits.blogspot.com/2012/03/cable-baby-beret.html.

Awesome post!This little hat really is charming. I think you have a gift. I'm going to poke around a little more, here, if you don't mind. I love it when people are brave and selfless enough to share what they can do. Thank you!